September 14, 1989 — Central Telephone Company customers with the Luray “743” prefix will be able to take advantage of many different services and improved service in one month.
On Oct. 14, the Luray Centel office will go from a mechanical switch to a state-of-the- art digital switching system, according to Clarence Peyton, area manager for the company.
The new $1.4 million call- switching system will complete calls faster and much more quietly than the mechanical device now being used.
In addition, special custom calling features and equal-access for all long distance companies will also be available.
The upgrading of the switching station will coincide with the completion of a fiber-optic line for Luray to Front Royal, which will vastly improve the sound of long distance calls.
Currently, calls are sent to Front Royal via microwave, which sometimes rustles in static.
Because of the installation of the digital switch, all customers with “743” prefixes will be required to dial the entire seven-digit number when placing local calls.
~ From the public archives of the Page News and Courier
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